This report outlines the practical steps Badgworth Parish Council has taken to manage the Memorial field in Biddisham in light of ongoing problems with the fields surface. The Councillors understand and share residents frustrations with the field remaining unsafe to use.

The Council’s first responsibility is usually to keep the space safe, tidy and usable. This includes grass cutting, hedge maintenance, dealing with dog fouling, checking fences and gates, and making sure benches and signs are in serviceable condition.

The Parish Council listened to residents frustrations that the first few grass cuts of the season are disappointing until regular cuts keep the grass neat and tidy. Following discussions with the ground maintenance company it was proposed that some sheep be moved into the field for a few days to bring the grass length down prior to the first cut. This was managed by a local farmer who took on the burden of transferring the sheep, monitoring them and transporting water while they went about their work.

This approach provided a fast low cost solution allowing the field to be enjoyed by residents much earlier in the season, without piles of untidy grass being created.

Green space management increasingly goes beyond appearance and focuses on improving biodiversity. The Parish Council has planted trees, retained hedgerows, supported a local group to introduce bird boxes and avoids unnecessary chemical treatments.

Governance and Legal Responsibilities
Management decisions are normally taken by the Parish Council supported by the Clerk and, where relevant, local contractors. The field is regularly inspected and any issues are discussed at a meeting of the Council. Measures are taken within set budgets, and  complaints are listened to. The Memorial Field is protected as a green space as the Parish Council has registered it as a field in trust. This protects the field from development.

Community Use and Engagement
The Parish Council listens to residents and has recently undertaken a survey on our green spaces which will be used to shape both of our fields for the future.

The consultation summary.

Unfortunately, the exceptionally dry weather experienced last year caused significant cracking of the clay soil, resulting in an uneven and potentially hazardous surface. The extent of the cracking prevented contractors from operating grass-cutting equipment safely, with a considerable risk of damage to machinery. This increased the safety risk, as the resulting long grass concealed the uneven ground and further obscured the cracks.

The Parish Council took the unprecedented decision to close the field.

Normally, following wet winter weather the ground would soften and a well timed action to roll the field was believed to be the answer so the Council waited for early spring and after the wettest weather and before the soil began to dry out, rolling was undertaken by a local expert contractor. Sadly, and unusually, this has not resolved the matter.

Extensive discussions on power harrowing, ploughing, back filling and vibration plates have taken place but these are all measures best undertaken in the Autumn when reseeding has the best chance of taking. The soil has a shallow layer of top soil with clay underneath so any ploughing or turning must be light or the clay will rise to the surface and the problem could be worsened. The Council has taken the decision to wait until September to take further action, bearing in mind the constraints of the weather and the land itself whilst being mindful of managing funds.

We appreciate this is frustrating and we are disappointed that the usually attractive field is not at its best. We are doing our best to address the problem, with the available resources and funding.

In the meantime the Parish Council is busy discussing the results of the survey and is making plans for both the Jubilee Field and the Memorial Field.

Members of the public are always welcome to attend meetings and suggestions and contributions are welcomed during the open forum.